Welcome New Faculty and Staff!

We are pleased to welcome several new faculty and staff members to The Grosse Pointe Academy for the 2026–2027 school year. Each brings valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to nurturing, challenging, and inspiring our students.

Administration

• Todd Clark joins The Grosse Pointe Academy as Director of Finance and Operations. Todd brings more than two decades of leadership experience in finance and operations, including senior roles at independent schools in Kenya and Brazil. He has led financial strategy, facilities, human resources, and campus operations while partnering closely with school leadership to support mission-driven growth and long-term sustainability. 
• Brittany Connolly serves as Director of Development at The Grosse Pointe Academy. Brittany brings more than a decade of experience across nonprofit, higher education, and social impact organizations, including roles at Yale and the Texas Woman’s University System, with expertise in fundraising, partnerships, and relationship building. 
• Ryan Hertlein joins The Grosse Pointe Academy as our new Director of Enrollment. Ryan most recently served as Director of Admissions at The Emery/Weiner School in Houston, where he led enrollment strategy, admissions operations, and family engagement. He brings a collaborative, relationship-driven approach and extensive experience in independent school admissions and enrollment management.
• Rose Guglielmetti joins The Grosse Pointe Academy as our new School Nurse. Rose is a Registered Nurse with experience in both school health and emergency medicine, most recently serving as a school nurse in the Berkley School District. She brings expertise in student health, emergency preparedness, and creating safe, healthy learning environments. 
• Jaci Rincon has been appointed Enrichment Coordinator, where she will oversee our Before & After Care program, After School Clubs, and Summer Camps. Jaci will continue in her roles as Administrative Assistant to the Early School and Athletics Director, and Volleyball Coach, providing leadership across several important areas of Academy life.
• Leah Rose joins The Grosse Pointe Academy as our new Wedding Coordinator. Leah brings extensive event planning experience, including weddings and special events at the Detroit Athletic Club, along with a strong background in hospitality and event management. 

Main School

• Charles Iacuzzo joins the Middle School as Math & English Language Arts Teacher, Learning Support Specialist, and Grade 6 Advisor. Charles has served as a Math Interventionist and substitute teacher, including at GPA, and is passionate about helping students build confidence and academic success through individualized instruction.
• Sergei Lie joins the Middle School as Math & Science Teacher and Grade 7 Advisor. Sergei brings more than 20 years of middle and high school teaching experience, including previous service at GPA, most recently teaching advanced mathematics at South Lake High School and Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.
• Caitlin Miller joins the Middle School as Science Teacher and Grade 6 Advisor. Caitlin holds a degree in Chemistry from Grand Valley State University and brings experience as a science educator through graduate teaching, substitute teaching, and youth education programs.
• Eric Novak joins the Middle School as our new Multimedia Specialist. A lifelong Grosse Pointe resident and graduate of Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, Eric brings professional experience in videography, photography, and digital storytelling and will help lead learning in our new Media & Production Center.
• Bridget O'Shea returns to The Grosse Pointe Academy as our Grade 8 Spanish Teacher. Bridget brings more than 25 years of Spanish teaching and tutoring experience, including previous roles at GPA and University Liggett School. 
• Devon Crawford joins The Grosse Pointe Academy as our new School Support Associate. Devon brings five years of Montessori and early elementary classroom experience, including previous service at GPA, where she fostered positive relationships and supported engaging, child-centered learning environments.
• Jeremy Parel joins The Grosse Pointe Academy as our Music Teacher. Jeremy brings experience teaching general, vocal, and instrumental music to students from early childhood through high school, most recently teaching K–8 music at Burton International in Detroit. 

Early School

• Skylar McCrindle has been appointed Montessori Directress and will lead the Early School classroom formerly taught by Ms. Joan Jessiman. Skylar recently completed the Montessori Teacher Education Program in Early Childhood (ages 2.5-6) at the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center. 
• Maja Marjanovic joins the Early School as a Teacher Assistant, supporting Cindy Mayilukila. Maja brings a background in education, professional development, and family support, including experience developing educational programs for children and adults. 
• Emily Owens joins the Early School as a Teacher Assistant, supporting Skylar McCrindle. Emily brings more than 15 years of preschool and childcare experience, including as Lead Teacher at Christ Church's Parent’s Day Out program, along with Montessori training and a passion for child-centered learning.
• Olivia Palazzolo joins the Early School as a Teacher Assistant, supporting Cindy Mayilukila. A recent psychology graduate from Grand Valley State University, Olivia brings childcare experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for supporting young learners.
• Briona Vest joins the Early School as a Teacher Assistant, supporting Kathleen Hallas. Briona most recently served as an Assistant Teacher at Trinity Lutheran Early Childhood Center, where she helped foster children's social and emotional growth while supporting a safe, engaging classroom environment. 
• McKayla Geml joins the Early School as a Teacher Assistant supporting Kate Kingsley. After working with our students during Summer Camp, McKayla will continue supporting our youngest learners in the Montessori environment, bringing an energetic, caring approach and a natural ability to connect with children. 
• Danny Arkison joins the Early School as our Teacher Assistant Floater, supporting all the teachers. Danny has been a frequent substitute teacher over the past year, along as a counselor during our Summer Camp.